Republican Minnesota State Senator Bruce Anderson died unexpectedly on Monday at age 75, ending a legislative career that spanned more than three decades. Anderson served in the Minnesota Senate since 2012 and previously represented constituents in the state House from 1995 to 2012.
Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson announced Anderson’s death on July 21, 2025. “Bruce was a dedicated public servant, loving family man, and dear friend to many at the Capitol and in Buffalo,” Johnson stated in announcing the senator’s passing. The Anderson family requested privacy and indicated they would release a statement at a later time.
Anderson represented Senate District 29, which included parts of Hennepin, Meeker, Sherburne and Wright counties. He resided in Buffalo, Minnesota, with his wife Ruth. The couple had eight children and 14 grandchildren. Anderson was previously married to his first wife, Dottie, who died of cancer in 2006.
Born and raised on a dairy farm in rural Minnesota as the eldest of eight children, Anderson developed a strong connection to agricultural issues that would define much of his legislative work. He attended Willmar Technical College, Crown College and Northwestern College before entering public service.
Anderson’s military service began after high school graduation when he joined the U.S. Navy from 1970 to 1973 during the Vietnam War. He later served as a Master Sergeant in the Minnesota Air National Guard and continued his military career in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. This extensive military background informed his advocacy for veterans’ issues throughout his legislative tenure.
During his time in the Minnesota House, Anderson represented District 19B before redistricting, then District 19A from 2003 to 2012. He served on multiple committees including the House Public Safety Policy and Oversight Committee and the Rules and Legislative Administration Committee. Anderson also participated in various finance subcommittees covering bioscience, workforce development, capital investment and energy policy.
After winning election to the Minnesota Senate in 2012, Anderson focused his legislative efforts on agriculture, veterans’ affairs, broadband access, public safety and rural economic development. He chaired several veterans’ committees in both chambers, leveraging his military experience to advocate for service members and veterans.
Political colleagues from both parties praised Anderson’s dedication and collaborative approach. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, a Democrat from St. Paul, served with Anderson in both the House and Senate. Murphy described Anderson as a decent and kind colleague who approached his work with dedication. She emphasized his expertise in military service and agriculture made him an effective champion for farmers, veterans and service members.
Governor Tim Walz acknowledged Anderson’s passing on social media, noting that he and his wife Gwen were sending love to Anderson’s family and friends. Walz characterized Anderson as a steadfast advocate for military service members and indicated the senator would be missed in the Senate chamber.
Former Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch, a Republican whom Anderson succeeded in the Senate, described him as both a mentor and friend on social media. Koch noted that Anderson changed hearts and minds through hard work and extensive conversation in what was once a DFL-leaning district.
Anderson’s death creates a vacancy that will require a special election. Governor Walz must call the election to fill Anderson’s safely Republican seat, which he won by approximately 36 percentage points in his last election in 2022. Anderson’s funeral is scheduled for 3 p.m. on July 28 and will be livestreamed.
The Minnesota Senate has experienced significant upheaval over the past year with multiple vacancies. A special election was held in January to fill a Minneapolis seat after Senator Kari Dziedzic died from ovarian cancer in December. Another special election was called to fill the seat of Republican Senator Justin Eichorn, who resigned after being arrested in an underage prostitution sting.
Additionally, Senator Nicole Mitchell announced her resignation following her felony burglary conviction, with her attorney indicating she will leave office no later than August 4. This will necessitate another special election, adding to the current period of transition in the Minnesota Senate.
Anderson’s legislative career reflected his rural roots and military background, consistently advocating for agricultural interests, veterans’ issues and rural development initiatives. His colleagues remembered him as someone who built relationships across party lines and maintained a focus on serving his constituents’ practical needs rather than partisan politics.
